An impressive array of up to 40 privately-owned jet aircraft will make a low altitude visit to the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow next April as part of the Hong Kong to Christchurch Silver Fern Air Race.

Following races from London to Christchurch in 1953 and Singapore to Christchurch in 1987, a group of businessmen and aviation enthusiasts, some based in Queenstown, are holding a Hong Kong to Christchurch Air Race from 26th March, 2012 until 8th April 2012. The race aims to boost travel and business opportunities between Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.

The aircraft will fly from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur then on to Melbourne before concluding the race in Christchurch. Organisers had deliberately chosen Christchurch as the destination to illustrate to the world that the city is alive and well. A scenic extension will see the corporate jets traverse Fiordland and fly over Warbirds Over Wanaka.

“Some air race followers and participants will take Gold Passes and other hospitality options at the Airshow and the spectacle of seeing large corporate jets flying over will be amazing” said Mandy Deans, Warbirds Over Wanaka event manager. Ms Deans said the Silver Fern Air Race fitted the show’s international mandate and enabled organisers to further support the aviation world and Christchurch, from whence many patrons came.

“The Silver Fern Air Race is delighted to be involved with Warbirds Over Wanaka with entrants pleased they are able to fly over around 65,000 spectators” says Ron Collins, CEO of the Silver Fern Air Race. Exactly when during the show the fly over would take place is yet to be finalised.

Ticket sales for Warbirds Over Wanaka were excellent with much interest from around New Zealand and Australia in particular, Ms Deans said.

Ticket purchases may be made at www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com or Free phone 0800 224 224 NZ or 1300 798 550 Australia.

ENDS